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Bendigo Deadly Connections workshop opens First Nations participants up to opportunities
The Deadly Connections workshop held with First nations participants in Bendigo recently was a great way to help support participants in reaching their personal, educational and job goals.
After an inspiring welcome to country from DJAARA representative Troy Firebrace, participants experienced a four day program with workshops and activities designed to build skills and knowledge for their future path to employment.
As well as getting helpful advice on preparing for work and training, participants heard from a wide variety of guest speakers who gave insights into different career paths and financial, cultural and overall wellbeing.
Guest presenters for participants in the Deadly Connections Program included Josh Lawrence, manager of a new Coles store being developed in Maiden Gully on the outskirts of Bendigo. Josh gave participants a run down on the recruitment process for the new Maiden Gully store to be opened soon, with information on how to perform well.
Josie from Bendigo Tafe gave an informative and relaxing presentation to participants on what TAFE and how to access Indigenous learning opportunities and support networks, along with sponsorships and other courses for free.
It was great having Aunty Rhonda and Candice visit from Bendigo District Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC).This session was perhaps the most engaging and valuable part of the workshop, building strong connections and wellbeing. Aunty Rhonda and Candice facilitated a group painting activity, and led conversations about culture and customs, as well as managing difficult situations in the workplace, managing conflict, motivation, inspiration, and much more.
Jenny from Bendigo Family and Financial Services gave an informative presentation on financial counselling, NILS loans and debt management giving participants hope that they are not stuck in their current situations and that they can receive non judgemental assistance in a safe space.
Kathryn from the Anna Centre attended on the last day to discuss ‘Finding your purpose’. We had some very deep discussions about acknowledging the parts of our life that inspire us, to fuel us to be the people that we are. The participants were empowered by identifying what matters to them, and why it is important to live their lives with purpose.
Greg Stehle from our Communications and Marketing team also spoke to participants about Identified positions, where to find them and what’s involved, including Cultural Leave entitlements. Greg also spoke about his connection with Yolngu people from working in north-east Arnhem Land, which led to discussions around skin names and different countries and culture.
Lead presenter over the four days, Cass thoroughly enjoyed the program and found that the participants responded well to a ‘yarn.’
I learnt a lot about Indigenous culture, and they thoroughly enjoyed teaching me things. I believe that the conversations that took place opened their eyes to the things they can access, and the services they can connect too. I also think that they now see CVGT as people who genuinely care about them, and they are not just a number. They all want to come back and finish their artwork, which I see as an amazing opportunity to keep the doors open for them.
Cass
CVGT Employment Skills Mentor
Participants in the workshop all gave 10 out of 10 in their feedback responses, and appreciated the opportunity to do art and hold meaningful conversations while doing so. Games and activities caused the participants to laugh a lot and encouraged people to find new and inventive ways to work together and overcome challenges. All of the participants are keen to come back for follow up sessions, and felt more connected to our services as well as opportunities for their future.